Rabbit hunter dies after his gun goes off by accident

Brockton in Shropshire, where a man was fatally injured while hunting rabbits (Image: SWNS)

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A man who was shot while out hunting rabbits died after accidentally discharging his own gun, police have said.

The man, 30, who has not yet been formally identified but is thought to be from Staffordshire, suffered a gunshot wound in the incident while hunting in fields in Brockton, near Bishop's Castle, in Shropshire with a friend.

West Mercia Police said today that reports in the media that the man had been shot by his friend who stumbled causing his weapon to discharge were "unfounded".

Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy said: "These reports are unfounded and have caused further distress to the families of those involved.

"At no point have the police released specific details beyond saying it appears to be a tragic accident.

"This is because the circumstances are still under investigation and when completed, a full report will be submitted to the Shropshire coroner.

"At this stage of the investigation, there is no evidence to suggest that another person's gun was fired.

"It would appear the victim's own gun accidentally discharged, resulting in the fatal injury."

The man was injured at about 9.30pm on Friday while out rabbit hunting with his friend. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination will be held today and an inquest will open later in the week, a police spokesman said.